1. Thompson submachine gun
US MILITARY
1938

2. Development developed by General John T. Thompson
While searching for a way to allow such a weapon to operate safely without the complexity of a recoil or gas operated mechanism, Thompson came across a patent issued to John Bell Blish in 1915 based on adhesion of inclined metal surfaces under pressure.
Thompson found a financial backer, Thomas F. Ryan, and started the Auto-Ordnance Company in 1916 for the purpose of developing his auto rifle.
The principal designers were:
Theodore H. Eickhoff
Oscar V. Payne
George E. Goll

3. Early use The Thompson first entered production as the M1921
It was available to civilians, though its high price resulted in few sales.
priced at $ when a Ford automobile sold for $400.00
M1921 Thompsons were sold in small quantities to the United States Marine Corps
It was popular with the Marines as a point-defense weapon
The major complaints against the Thompson were:
Weight
Inaccuracy (over 50 Yards)
Lack of penetrating power

4. Post world war ii use
The Thompson had seen much use by the U.S. And south Korean military
During the Vietnam war, some south Vietnamese army units and defense militia were armed with Thompson submachine guns
A few of these weapons were used by reconnaissance units, advisors, and other American troops
Not only did some U.S. soldiers have use of them in Vietnam, but they encountered it as well
In the conflict in Northern Ireland, known as 'The Troubles' (1969–1998), the Thompson was again used by the Irish Republican paramilitaries
The Thompson, or copies of the gun, are still seen from time to time in modern day conflicts, such as the Bosnian War

5. Information provided from Wikipedia.org
Models
Model 1919
Model 1921
Model 1923
Model 1927
Model 1927A1
Model 1927A3
Model 1927A5
Model 1928
Model 1928A1
Information provided from Wikipedia.org